Marcelo Bielsa and his Leeds United side are set for a major test over the festive period, with some high-profile names currently sidelined through injury.

Leeds were hit with a fresh problem yesterday as Stuart Dallas was ruled out for four to six weeks. To add to that, the severity of Liam Cooper’s injury was also revealed, with Leeds’ captain set to be out for up to six weeks following surgery on his knee.

Cooper’s injury is a blow for Leeds and Bielsa will have to make do without his captain, who has been so impressive over the course of the season.

In our latest FLW Spotlight, we take a look at the defender’s impact so far this season:

Cooper has missed only two games so far this season, scoring three goals in his 18 appearances under Bielsa.

Whilst his goalscoring exploits have been impressive, it’s his defending that Leeds are going to miss. He’s averaging 1.6 tackles per game and 4.8 clearances, whilst his aerial ability is also a big plus, with the 27-year-old winning an average of 5.2 aerial duels per game.

Bielsa’s style means Cooper’s passing has been put to the test this season, and he’s averaged 63 passes per game, which have come at a success rate of over 80%.

The Verdict

A look at Cooper's stats show how impressive he's been this season and that he's going to be missed over the festive period.

Whilst better players are sidelined, this could be Leeds' biggest test of the season. Cooper is the club's captain and has such an important role on and off the field.

His leadership has pulled Leeds through problems already this season, whilst his presence in the dressing room is sure to help the youngsters having to step up into the first-team.

Bielsa and his side will focus on the task at hand, but there's no denying that for multiple reasons, Cooper's absence hands Leeds their toughest test of the season so far.

Thoughts? Let us know!